When the Niagara Career and Technical Education Center’s VIP/STEP Food Service students first dreamed up the idea of a food truck, Mrs. Theresa Bettinger, our dedicated culinary aide, and Mr. Alan Benevento, VIP/STEP culinary instructor, wholeheartedly encouraged their vision, fueling their excitement and setting things in motion.
Soon after, Mr. Benevento spotted an old polyethylene truck on its way to the landfill. Without hesitation, he pulled over to rescue it and brought it to BOCES, where students eagerly cleaned and pressure-washed it, giving it a fresh start and new purpose.
Orleans Career and Technical Education Center (OCTEC) teachers Chef James Atzrott (Culinary Arts), Marcus Karlnoski (Diesel Technology), and Bob Winters (Auto Technology) combined their visionary insights to recognize the truck's potential and provided invaluable suggestions for its transformation. Their expertise turned "Francis, the Few Buck Truck" into a mobile culinary powerhouse beyond mere functionality.
When Niagara Career and Technical Education Center (NCTEC) teacher Mr. Tim Deasey and his Auto Body team got wind of this project, they generously offered to give the truck a fresh, vibrant paint job. The moment Francis was painted, it was clear he was thrilled to be back in business, radiating a new sense of pride and purpose.
Next, Francis needed a flatbed. Mark Helfeldt from Hartland Builders, inspired by the students' hard work, invited me into his shop, where he donated his time, materials, and expertise to make Francis functional and mobile. A big thanks to Mark and Anne!
OCTEC teacher Mr. Matt Anastasi (Building Trades) invited the STEP students into his classroom to teach them the art of staining, where they, under the expert guidance of Mr. Anastasi and one of his students, Payton Bowser, mastered the craft. The experience became a beautiful moment of collaboration, with students teaching students and sharing skills to bring the project to life.
When Welding was required, OCTEC teachers Mr. Shannon Rutty and Ms. Verenice Bragg expertly secured two of the casters. Their precision ensured that Francis would glide smoothly and steadily down any road, poised and ready to embrace the many exciting adventures that awaited him.
NCTEC teacher Mr. Scott Brauer (Project Based Engineering) joined in the fun and upgraded Francis’s headlamps with stylish LED lamps.
With Francis nearly complete, the truck needed a final pop of personality. NCTEC teacher Mrs. Susan Zelasko-Staddon (Graphic Communications), along with her talented team, designed and applied eye-catching graphics that Francis wore with pride. He is now ready for his debut!
"This project was a true labor of love, embodying everything great about BOCES: teamwork, skill-sharing, and community,” says Mr. Benevento. “Francis now stands as a brilliant testament to the power of BOCES collaboration—a shining example of what we achieve when we unite our talents.”
As the students proudly wheel the truck around the Niagara Career and Technical Education Center you can see the look of pride on their faces. “Looks like our culinary team will be busy for a while! We plan to create plenty of treats to thank everyone who helped make this dream a reality—and to keep Francis rolling and serving with purpose,” says Mr. Benevento.
This is BOCES… BE PART OF IT!